If you’re searching for a comforting classic that brings a wave of coziness to any table, German Apple Pie is your answer. This pie stands out with its mountain of juicy apple slices enveloped in a creamy, gently spiced custard—all nestled within a buttery crust. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a regular weekday treat, this German Apple Pie offers the perfect blend of tart apples, sweet spices, and a luscious, velvet-rich filling. It’s the kind of dessert that’s irresistible served warm from the oven, destined to become a favorite for your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small cubes)
How to Make German Apple Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Start by peeling and thinly slicing your apples—it’s worth the effort for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite! Toss them in a large bowl with fresh lemon juice, which not only stops browning but also brightens their flavor brilliantly.
Step 2: Combine the Spices and Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant blend is what will coat the apples, giving each slice an even, gentle sweetness and cozy spice. Sprinkle this mixture over your sliced apples and toss to coat every piece beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the spiced, sugared apples into your unbaked deep-dish crust, gently piling them higher in the center for that classic domed look. Dot the apples all over with the cold butter cubes—these little bits will melt during baking, blending deliciously into the filling.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Custard
Whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Carefully pour this luscious mixture evenly over the apples; it will seep through the layers and bake into a dreamy, custardy filling that makes German Apple Pie so memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set your pie on a baking sheet (trust me, it helps catch any delightful drips!). Bake for 15 minutes at this higher heat to set the crust, then lower the oven to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender and the filling bubbles away merrily. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, just cover them with foil to protect their golden glow.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your German Apple Pie cool at room temperature for at least an hour. This patience pays off—it gives the filling time to set, making for beautiful, neat slices every time. Serve slightly warm or chilled, whichever you prefer.
How to Serve German Apple Pie
Garnishes
Dust your German Apple Pie with a shower of powdered sugar just before serving, or top each slice with a billow of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted almond slivers can add elegance and a bit of crunch without overpowering the pie’s delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair each warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure bliss—the cool creaminess is a lovely contrast to the spiced filling. Coffee, spiced tea, or a small glass of dessert wine rounds out the experience for an afternoon treat or a cozy finish to dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your German Apple Pie into mini, individual portions by baking in ramekins for a charming twist at parties. For festive occasions, sprinkle coarse sugar or a pinch of brown sugar on top before baking to get a golden crunch. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle with warm caramel sauce or offer bowls of vanilla custard on the side for an indulgent upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover German Apple Pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay perfectly fresh for up to four days—a wonderful treat for breakfast or a lunchbox surprise!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze German Apple Pie! Let the fully baked pie cool completely, then wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap (and a layer of foil for extra protection). Freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, warm pie slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about ten minutes, or until heated through. For a single slice, you can also use the microwave at low power—but the crust will stay crispier with the oven method.
FAQs
Can I use a different variety of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are wonderful for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with other firm, tart varieties like Braeburn, Pink Lady, or even a mix for a unique twist on your German Apple Pie.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeled apples yield a softer, smoother filling and help the pie bake evenly. If you love rustic desserts and don’t mind a bit of texture, you can leave the peels on—just know the filling will be a little heartier.
Can I add a streusel or crumble topping?
Definitely! While this German Apple Pie shines with its creamy filling and no top crust, adding a buttery streusel will provide extra crunch and flavor. Sprinkle it over the apples before baking if you’d like to experiment.
What if my pie filling is too runny?
Letting the pie cool for at least one hour is key to setting the creamy filling. If you find your German Apple Pie still a little too soft, try using slightly more flour (up to 2 tablespoons) in the sugar-spice mixture next time.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a thick, creamy non-dairy substitute for the heavy cream, and a dairy-free butter alternative. The pie will have a slightly different, but still delicious, richness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This German Apple Pie is a treasure for anyone who loves rustic desserts with a unique twist. The comfort of spiced apples, the creaminess of the custard, and the buttery crust create a dessert that’s simple, elegant, and utterly irresistible. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will come running to the table for a slice, and you might just find yourself making it all year round.
Print
German Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this German Apple Pie. A luscious creamy apple filling nestled in a deep-dish pie crust, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust
Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Coat the Apples: Sprinkle the dry mixture over apples and toss to coat.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Transfer coated apples into the pie crust, piling them slightly higher in the center. Dot with butter.
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: Whisk heavy cream and vanilla, then pour over the apples.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, sprinkle brown sugar over the top before baking.
- This pie can be served slightly warm or chilled.
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